Fantasy Matchup: Aliquippa vs. Clairton

[QuoteTheRaven]

I know this matchup was supposed to take place in the regular season, but due to WPIAL scheduling it never happened. Both schools are the same size (with the Quips being Class A size but choose to play "up" in AA). But even though the Quips lost today and Clairton has now was 63 straight, if both teams would have played this year, who do you think would of won...Aliquippa? Or Clairton?

[jack daniel]

I'd pay good money to see this game.

[justafan017]

I'll say this...you cant throw on Clairton and, regardless of the size of your O line and speed of your backs, you can't run on them either. Clairton has a passing game and a running game...this may not be popular but I'd take Clairton. They passed the eyeball test, Aliquippa didn't.

[animus]

For me, Aliquippa this year was build very similar to Dunmore. Very big/strong OLine with 2 very good RBs. But like Dunmore, with the lack of a passing game, Clairton's Defense will just T off on their running game. To beat Clairton I firmly believe that you must have a balanced offense w/ a big running back(much like what Riverside had). I think Aliquippa has the athletes on defense to keep up w/ the Bears. It would certainly be a defensive struggle w/ the Bears winning 14-7.

[QuoteTheRaven]

Up until today I would have picked the Quips, long due to their long history of dominance and big name Coach Z. (Im sure Im going to make some people mad with this statement) But what Ive noticed with the Quips as of late is Coach Z cant seem to win the big game. Aliquippa is a small town LOADED with athletes and NFL talent but year in and year out they seem to choke at the end. Last year against Tyrone in my oppinion Coach Z got outcoached, Aliquippa was a far better team than Tyrone (In my oppinion). And today it was obvious what Wyomissing was doing with the Wingback Offtackle and it killed the Quips, and on the game winning drive a backup QB for a trick play???REALLY?? This just shows me the lack of coaching schemes and preperation the Quips had. Their Offense isnt fancy, its predictable, and one-demensional and to win a state championship you have to have atleast somewhat of a passing game. Im not an Aliquippa hater by any means I just think that Coach Zs gameplans against opponents of equal status in big games needs to be questioned. As for Clairton, they have just as much talent as Aliquippa but in my oppinion are far more diverse with formations and play calling. 63 in a row is UNHEARD of. I think this game as far as talent goes is dead even, but I give the coaching edge and ability to pass/mix it up to Clairton. My pick Da Bears in a close defensive game

[jack daniel]

That trick play call at the end was stupid. Quips also killed themselves today with penalties and the inability to score when deep in Wyomissing territory. Aliquippa should have scored at least 3 more TDs today, but didn't. Largely due to great defense by Wyomissing, but also partially due to ineffectiveness and penalties.

[QuoteTheRaven]

And to me that boils down to Coaching discipline, scheme, and preperation

[jack daniel]

I agree 100% Raven.

[YinzerKyle]

if you asked me two weeks ago I would say Quips by 3 scores. I still MIGHT take the Quips but the fact that they couldn't finish drives concerns me. I love Clairton because of the obviously great story around the team and the fact that I grew up just 10 minutes down the Mon from them but I still think the Quips are loaded. They just didn't show up Saturday.

[QuoteTheRaven]

Clairton hasnt had an off game in almost 4 seasons, 63 wins in a row...Great teams win big games. Aliquippa lost to a less talented team last year in Tyrone, committing 5 turnovers after being undefeated. And this year missing redzone scoring opportunities. It all boils down to the lack of a kicking game (going for 2 constantly??? What is this youth football?? I know Clairton does it too) but if Quips had a kicker we arent even having this conversation. And the lack of a gameplan/scheme. Its not hard to stop a team that runs basically the same play all the time when you are of equal talent and are well coached. 3 yards and a cloud of dust doesnt get it done if you want to win a state championship, you need a passing game. The problem at Aliquippa is lack of coaching. If you gave a coach like John Franco the reigns at Aliquippa with the talent the Quips have every year they would be on the front page of USA Today and have COUNTLESS State Championships! Once again Im not a Quips hater, I like them a lot and respect their rich history Im just calling it how I see it